Responding to consumers’ ever-growing interest in and willingness to try new spices and seasonings from less familiar and exotic sources, Symrise Flavors engaged in an in-depth study of Latin American, North African and Southeast Asian foods and beverages.

While many snack categories find themselves reassessing and reformulating amidst healthy eating trends, the snack and nut mix category benefits from being seen as an intrinsically healthy choice.

It should come as no surprise that taste is king and is one of the most important attributes when it comes to the success of a food or beverage product.

The spicy, savory chile seasoning paired with lime flavor in the new Chile Lime Popcorn will give consumers a delicious kick.

Private label has come a long way from its “generic” years. Today, focuses are on premium, national-brand-better (NBB) offerings and clean eating—snack and bakery products that are part of the better-for-you category, including those that are gluten-free.

This recipe for Curry Spiced Nuts with Dried Tart Cherries meets consumer demand for ethnic flavor profiles, combines on-trend ingredients with complementary flavors and textures, and includes anthocyanin-packed Montmorency tart cherries, which have been linked to a number of health benefits, notes Jeff Manning, chief marketing officer, Cherry Marketing Institute.

Spicy, savory and contrasting remain flavor favorites in the baked goods and snack categories, while reds and all-natural colors are tops for adding visual appeal.

Finalist Meneko Spigner McBeth will take home the $1 million grand prize for her idea for Lay’s Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger flavored potato chips.

International flavors and foods are gaining popularity, but cautious consumers remain a challenge for bakers and snack producers. Successful manufacturers encourage purchase at the production line and at retail.